A new study has revealed that the Amazon rainforest hides thousands of records of ancient Indigenous communities under its canopy. The study, which was conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter and the Federal University of Pará, found that the rainforest contains a vast network of earthworks, ditches, mounds, and other structures that were built by Indigenous peoples over the past 8,000 years.
The researchers used satellite imagery and ground surveys to identify more than 450 of these structures, which are spread across an area of more than 400,000 square kilometers. They believe that there are many more structures that have yet to be discovered.
The structures are thought to have been used for a variety of purposes, including housing, defense, and ceremonial activities. They provide important insights into the lives and cultures of the Indigenous peoples who inhabited the Amazon rainforest before the arrival of Europeans.
The study's lead author, Dr. Jonas Gregorio de Souza, said: "These findings show that the Amazon rainforest, which is often considered a pristine wilderness, has been shaped by human activity for thousands of years. The structures we found offer a glimpse into the lives of the Indigenous peoples who lived in the region before the arrival of Europeans, and they provide important clues about the ways in which these peoples interacted with their environment."
The researchers hope that their findings will help to raise awareness of the rich cultural heritage of the Amazon rainforest and the importance of protecting it for future generations.